Pencil machine



C. R. NICHOLS, AJR

.PENCIL MACHINE.

Filed Feb. 6, 1945 s sheets-smet 2 INVENTOR Aug 6 1946. C. RNIC'HOLS, JR 2,405,367 v l PENCIL MACHINE v Filed Feb. 6, 1943 n 8 Smeets-sheet :s

iff ne :afzaf l l M .l l o I i I 245 a f- ,222/ l wh/227W /OREEY c. R. NlcHQLs, JR I ,405,367

PENCIL MACHINE Filed Feb. 6, v1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 c. R. NICHOLS, .JR

V PENCIL MACHINE -Filed Feb. e, 1945 s sheets-snaai 7 Num . l @NK @E www INVENTOR A C. R. NICHOLS; JR

PENCIL MACHINE I Filed Feb. 6, 1945 Patented Aug. 6, 1946 PENCIL MACHINE Charles R. Nichols, Jr., Jersey City, N. J., assignor to Joseph Dixon Crucible Company, Jersey City, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application February 6, 1943, Serial No. 475,045

13 Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacture of pencils and particularly to machines for securing caps or ferrules to pencils and for securing erasers or rubber plugs in the caps.

At the present time it is customary in the manufacture of pencils to place the pencils in one machine in which a ring is cut around the pencil near one end thereof. In a second machine the end portion beyond the ring is then reduced in diameter to form a shoulder and receives the cap or ferrule. The pencil is then taken to a third machine where the ferrule is secured on the end of the pencil and the plug is inserted in the ferrule. Thereafter the pencil is taken to a fourth machine where the rubber plug is secured inthe ferrule.

The method above described is laborious,` time consuming and expensive, and the machines utilized take up a large amount of space.

This invention has for its salient object to provide a single machine mechanism so coordinated and so timed that successive operating units perform all of the above operations eiliciently and quickly, thereby conserving time, labor and space.

Another object of the invention is to provide means in a machine of the character described for rigidly holding and accurately positioning pencils for the successive operations thereon.

Another object of the invention is to provide accurate and positive positioning means forcorrectly positioning the pencil carrying member or mechanism whereby the successive operations can be performed on the pencils.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for accurately, longitudinally positioning the pencils on the pencil carrying member.

Another object of the invention is to provide signal means for indicating to the operator when certain operations have not been carried out, as for instance when a cap or ferrule has not been placed on the pencil ror when no plug has been inserted in the ferrule.

Another object of the invention is to p-rovide (Cl. D14- 3) improved and simple and eiicient mechanism for forming the reduced end and shoulder on the pencil to receive the cap or ferrule.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, simple, l

practical and eflicient mechanism for applying the rubber plugs to the caps or ferrules.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for automatically stopping the machine in the eventthat two plugs are pushed by the plug feeding means toward thepencil or in case the pencil is pushed in its clamps as the plug or plugs are fed.

Further objects of the invention will appear from the following specification taken in connection with the drawings which .form a part of this application and in which Fig. 1 is an end elevation, partly in section, of a machine constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig, 2 is a top plan view of the machine in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the machine;`

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken substantially on line 4 4 of Fig. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5` is an enlarged elevation, partly in vsection,` taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken substantially on line 6 6 of Fig. 4, looking in th direction of the arrows;

Fig. 7' is a sectional elevation taken substantially on line 1--1 of Fig` 6, looking in the direction of the arrows, the pencil clamping mean being closed or in operative position;

Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation similar to Fig. 7 but showing theclamplng means in open position;

Fig. 9 is an elevational View showing the frame or carrier for a plurality of the operative mechanisms which operateto form the shoulder on the pencil. apply the ferrule thereto, secure the ferrule, and secure the plug in the ferrule;

Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation taken substantially on line Iii-I0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged elevation, partly in section, showing the plug applying means and operating mechanism therefor, this View being taken substantially on line H-II of Fig. 16, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 12 is a sectional elevation of the means for feeding and applying the plug to the ferrule, this View being taken substantially on line I 2-12` shown Yof Fig. 14, looking in the direction of the arrows:

Figs. 13 and 14 are sectional elevations through the plug applying mechanism, these views being taken substantially on lines |3-I3 and lli-M of Fig. 12, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged view, partly in section, showing one end of the pencil with the ferrule and plug secured thereto;

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the operating mechanism for the plug applying means shown in Fig. 11;

Fis. 1'7 is an end elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 12 and also shown at the right hand end of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is an elevational View, partly in section,

of the bracket and means carried thereby for feeding the ferrule on the reduced end or shouldered end of the pencil;

Fig. 19 is a sectional elevation taken substantially on line 19e-IQ of Fig. 18, looking in the direction of the arrows; l

Fig. is an enlarged sectional elevation taken through the mechanism for forming the reduced end and shoulder on the pencil;

Figs. 21 and 22 are sectional elevations taken substantially on lines 2|-2l and 22-22 of Fig. 20, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 23 is an elevational view of one end of the pencil showing the reduced or shouldered portion thereof;

Fig. 24 is an end elevation of the end portion shown in Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a sectional elevation illustrating the pricking mechanism for forming indentations in the ferrule to secure the ferrule to the pencil and to secure the plug in the ferrule;

Fig. 26 is an elevational view, .on an enlarged scale, showing the end of the `pencil with the ferrule and plug secured thereon;

Figs. '27 and 28 are transverse sectional elevations taken substantially on lines 21-21 and 28-28 of Fig. 26, looking in the direction'of'the arrows;

Fig. 29 'is an elevation of automatic stop control mechanism;

Fig. 30 is an. elevation taken at right angles to Fig. 29; and

Fig. 31 is a sectional elevation, somewhat diagrammatic, showing signal mechanism for indicating improper operation of the lmachine as, for instance, when no ferrule or cap has been placed on `the pencil or no plug lhas been inserted in the cap.

The invention briefly described consists of a machine for securing ferrules and plugs to pencils. 'The pencils are 'fed one at a time to pencil .i

clamping means on a movable carrier and the carrier is intermittently moved 'by accurate and positive positioning means to successive stations at which the shouldering mechanism forms a reduced end and shoulder, the ferrule 'is forced on the reduced end of the pencil, the ferrule is secured thereon by suitable securing mechanism, such as pricking means, the rubber plugs are placed-in the ferrules and the plugs are secured therein by suitable mechanism, such as pricking means. In addition tothe broad combination of mechanisms so coordinated and so timed as to successively perform the operations described at successive stations of the pencil carrying means, the invention includes specific improvements in the shouldering mechanism, pencil carrier positioning means, and plug applying mechanism.

The invention furthermore includes signal devices for indicating tothe operator an improper operation of the mechanism as when no cap or ferrule has been applied to the pencil or when no plug has been inserted in the ferrule.

Moreover, automatic stop mechanism is provided for stopping the machine when more than one plug has been fed to the ferrule.

vFurther details of the invention will appear from the following description.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, theT machine frame illustrated particularly in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises a front 30, sides 3| and 32, and a rear 33.

During the operation of the Amachine the pencils are supported and moved to successive positions on a rotatably mounted drum 34 which is carried by a shaft 35 mounted in suitable bearings 36 and 3l. The drum is particularly illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive. The drum is rotated intermittently by Geneva mechanism including a Geneva wheel having a plurality of radially disposed slots 4|. These slots receive a pin or roller 42 carried by an arm 43 mounted on a shaft 44. As the shaft 44 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 5, the roller 42 enters one of the slots 4| and feeds or rotates the wheel 4l! through one increment of movef ment, this increment consisting of the are between successive notches 4|.

Since the various mechanisms which perform operations on the `pencil are arcuately disposed around the axis of the shaft 35 of the drum 34, it -is--necessary that the movement of the drum by the Geneva Wheel be absolutely accurate for otherwise the mechanisms will not register with the pencils. This accuracy is obtained by means of the structure 'illustrated in Fig. 5. lt Willbe noted that the Vperiphery of the IGeneva wheel 40 has extending thereintc, intermediate the slots 4|, another series of slots 45. Each of the slots 45 has one side 45 disposed radially with re spect to the axis of the shaft 35, the other side .of the slot indicated at 41 'being tapered or :inclined with respect to the side 46.

As the roller 42 leaves one of the slots 4|. .one Vof the slots 45 will receive an end 4B of a plunger 50 slidably mounted in a guide frame 5|. The `plunger 58 has a slot 52 'which receives one end '53 of a bell Vcran-k lever comprising arms 54 and 55, the lever being mounted on a pivot 55. A spring 51 engages the outer end lof the plunger 50 and tends to press the plunger inwardly. The plunger is withdrawn Vfrom the slot '45 by the bell crank lever which is controlled by a cam 53 carried by a shaft 59 and engaging a roller B0 mounted on the -arm Al-'i of the bell crank lever. It will be noted that as the roller .60 is engaged by the enlarged portionof the cam, the bell crank lever will be Vswung in a clockwise direction, thereby moving the plunger 50 and withdraw-ing the end 48 of the plunger from the slot 45. However, as the roller engages the vcircular 'por-tion of the cam, the action 'of the spring 51 will force the end .48 of the plunger into .the slot 45.

The end portion 48 of the plunger 54) has a tapered side -52 which .engages the side 4l of the slot 45. This `engagement positions the Geneva wheel 4,0 and the `plunger when seated in the slot 45 has its other surface .63 disposed in contact with the wall 46 of Athe slot 4.5. .By means of this construction, any wear .caused by this vcentering `or .positioning contact occurs on .the tapered plunger surface 6.2 and Wall 4l and no Wear occurs between the plunger surface 53 and the slot surface 46.

The shafts 44 and 59 are rotated in the following manner: Shaft 59 is mounted in suitable bearings in the machine frame, as shown at and 56. This shaft has mounted thereon a gear 6T which meshes with an idler gear |58 which meshes with a gear 59 carried by the shaft 'IB of a. motor M.

Shaft 59 drives the shaft 44 by means of intermeshing gears 1| and 'I2 carried respectively by shafts 59 and 44.

Pencil hopper .and lpencil release yand Jeedmgl means tend downwardly in parallel relation, forming guide walls 18 and 19 between which the pencils are guided downwardly as shown in Fig. 4. The bottoim pencil between the walls 18 and 19 is normally held from release by means of a hook 80 which is spring pressed by a spring 82 into operative position. The hook 80 is carried by an arm 83 of a bell crank lever which is pivotedat 8| and has an arm 84 provided with a bifurcated outer end 85. The bifurcated outer end 85 straddles a reciprocatable rod 86 and is adapted to be engaged by an adjustable stop or nut 81' which is threaded on a portion of the rod 8S. The rod is slidably mounted in lugs 81' and 88 carried by a frame member 89. l The rod 86 also has an adjustable stop or nut 90 mounted onl a threaded portion 9| and engageable by a bifur` cated end 92 of a lever comprising arms 93 and 94 pivotally mounted at 95 and normally actuated in an anticlockwise direction, viewing Fig. 4, by a spring 95.

The arm 94 has disposed at the outer end thereof, a lug 96 which is adapted to engage the bottom pencil disposed between the walls 18 and 19 when this pencil is released by the hook 80, and to push this pencil laterally to be engaged by clamping means carried by the drum 34, as hereinafter described. l

The rod 86 is held downwardly in engagement with a cam 91 by a spring 98 which engages a threaded nut or collar 99 carried by the rod 86, and at its other end engages the rod guide 88. The cam 91 has a projection |00 which upon engagement with a roller carried by the bottom of the rod, lifts the rod 88 and causes the stop 81 to engage the end 85 of the bell crank lever 83, 84, thereby releasing the hook 80. As the rod is raised, the stop 90 will move away from the bifurcated end of the lever 93, 94 permitting the spring 95 to swing the lever in an anticlockwise direction, thus causing the lug 98 to engage and eject the lower pencil disposed between the walls 18, 19.

At its upper end the rod 86 has pivoted thereto a link which is also pivoted to an arm |06 pivotally mounted on a spindle |07. The arm |06 has connected thereto an arm |08 having an outer surface |09 which agitates and alines th pencils disposed in the hopper.

The cam 91 which operates the rod 86 is mounted on the shaft 59.

Pencil holding clamps This mechanism is illustrated particularly in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 to 8 inclusive. The periphery of the drum is provided with a plurality of re cesses I 5 which receive blocks I6 having grooves I I8 for receiving the pencils. The blocks I I6 are disposed radially with respect to the axis of the drum.

Obviously it is necessary that the pencils be positioned on the drum in the blocks |I6 with absolute accuracy and that they be rmly and rigidly held in this position, otherwise the various operating mechanisms will not beproperly alined to perform their operations. This is accomplished' by rigidly clamping each pencil as it is disposed in the groove H6', the clamping means consisting of two sets of clamps disposed adjacent the ends of the pencils.

As shown particularly in Figs. 4, 6, '1 and 8. each clamp comprises pivoted levers ||1 and ||8 mounted on a pivot I|9. The levers II1 and IIS comprise arms |20 and |2| disposed on one side of the pivot |I9, and jaws |22 and |23 disposed above or on theopposite side ofthe pivot |19. P

Y These jaws are properly shaped to engage the inclined surfaces |24 and |25 of a hexagonal pencil. The engaging surfaces of the jaws are preferably provided with pads |26 of friction material.

In Fig. 6 it will b'e noted that the pivots I I9 are formed by pivot pinsl |20 threaded into the block |I6. The lever arms |20 and I2I are controlled by al cam |30 formed on a spindle |3I pivotally mounted in webs |32 carried by the drum. The cam |30 has angularly disposed surfaces |33 and |34 dimensioned to fit between the arms |20 and I2I when the clamping jaws are closed, as shown in Fig. '1. The clamping jaw's are held in closed position by means of a spring |35 which engages the outer ends-of the arms I 20 and |2.|. blocks I I6 are slotted, as shown at |35, to receive the levers and clamping jaws.

Each spindle |3I carries on its outer end a lug |31 which is adapted to engage an arcuate ledge or cam |39 fixed to the frame and disposed within the periphery of the drum. As shown in Fig. 4, when the lugs |31 are in engagement with the arcuate ledge or cam |39, the spindle |3I will be swung to the position shown in Fig. 8 in which the cam |30 will hold the lever .arms |20 and |2| at their outer limits of movement, there-A by opening the jaws |22 and |23. However, as the lugs |31 ride off the upper edge of the ledge or cam |39, the springs I 35 will close the-levers and jaws, causing the jaws to grip the pencil. As shown in Fig. 6, the pencil P extends beyond the ends of the block and drum. The blocks IIS are firmly held in position by screws |40.

In order to insure the proper longitudinal position of the pencils in the clamps, an adjustable headed stud |4| is threaded into a fixed member |42 and is held in adjusted position thereon by a locknut |43. (See Fig. 6.) The head |44 is rounded and is engageable by the ends of the pencils as the vpencil carrying drum is rotated. Thus the pencils are pushedlongitudinally in the jaw clamps if they project too far to the right, viewing Fig. 6.

Tool carriage and control means therefor This mechanism is particularly illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 9 and 10. The various operating mechanisms which perform the operationsl on the pencils hereinbefore set forth are indicated o Fig. 1 as follows:

A-Mechanism for reducing end of pencil to form a shoulder.

B-Ferrule applying mechanism.

C.`Ferrule securing means.

D-,Plug inserting mechanism.

E-Plug securing mechanism.

Of the fve mechanisms above enumerated. A, B, C and E are mounted on a reciprooatable carriage or frame |45 illustrated particularly in Fig. 9. The frame or carriage |45 has formed thereon surfaces |46, I 41, |48 and |49 on which the mechanisms A, B, C and E are respectively mounted. The mechanism A is carried by an angular bracket |50l adjustably secured by suitable clamps or studs |5| tothe supporting surface |48. Adjusting means for the bracket 1s shown at |52. The mechanism A is adjusted on the outwardly extending arm of the bracket by a set screw or stud |53 and is clamped in position by securing means or nuts |54. Similar securing and adjusting means is provided for each of the mechanisms B, C and E carried by the carriage or frame |45 and need not be further explained.

Thev

Obviouslyadjustments 'must be providedin` order .that the.- mechanisms. canv be `accurateiy alined with the. pencils carried bythe drum'.A Y

Thecan'iage orv frame' |45 has secured theretcand extending laterally therefrom', a-rod .155 on which is mounted ayoke- |58 having Larcuate portions |51 and |53 engaging a pair of rods .|553 andY |68 fixed to the iframe-.of the machine.` The yoke; |58 is slidably mountedbetvveen'the'rods V|59 andY |69. The position oi thevyoke and of the frame or carriage |115 is; determined byv a .Cam |6| .having acam'groove-l-M which receives acamroller itin-carried by theyoke |55. The cam YitiY is mounted ona shaft |64. Shaft |54 has also mounted thereon, as shown in Figs. l and 2,1av gear |65 Whichmeshes with agear A|65 carried by the shaft'SB.- The camiti` is so designed and so timed that the 'frame or carriage .|45 is moved toward the ldrumiiaiter the drum has come to -rest in eachsuccessive position of movementor station thereonl Y. f Y yAs-the carriage moves vto operative position in the manner just described,-the mechanisms A, B, C and E operate to perform their respective functions. Mechanism D, whichinserts the plugs inthe ferrules, is separately mounted and independently controlled in a manner hereinafter described.- 1

Mechanism for. forming., a reduced end and y .shoulder to rcccivajeule 'This mechanism. which is designated A 'on-Fiss. land 9, is illustrated particularly in Figs. 9, 20, 2l and 22. "The mechanism above designated is mounted on thev carriage |45 in the manner above described. In Fig. 20 the outer' end of the tool bracket which carries the 'operative 1 mechanism is shovm at i 18.."This mechanismpcomprisesf-a casing or sleeve |1| having ball bearings v|12 'and |13 Which rotatably support a hollow shaftl |14. One end ofthe sha'.`i'i"l`ias` formed on or ysecured to its outeren`d1a"di'sk'I'|4"-Which'in turn has formed on its' louter end "a ila'nge |15. This ilange forms a hollow drum for receiving adjustable knives ivhich engage andcut the outer end of the pencil to reduce the outer diameter thereof and form a shoulder |16.` --The knives are shown particularly in Fig. 22 at |11 and |18. The knives are slidably mounted` between guide` blocks and |88 secured Vto the disk |14. Means is y provided for adjusting the knives the proper distance apart to reduce the pencilto ythe desired di;- ameter. A drum" |89 is mounted VWithin the flange |15 and has vformed Ontheinnersurface thereof oppositely disposed earns- |8|"andi |82, these cams engaging thegouter ends ofthe knives |11 and |18. The knivesare held in engagement With the cams by springs |83 and |84. The drum |89 is clamped to the disk |14 by means of screws or studs iiwhich are carried by the disk |14 and extend through arcuate slots '|88 formed in the drum |88.

" Erom the'shovving in Fig. 22 it will be evident that as the' drum |85 is arcuately adjusted, the cams 8| and |82 which are disposed Within the drum will adjust the knives toward-or away from each other, as the case may be. Whenthe knives have been properly adjusted, thescrews or'studs |85 are tightened, thereby securing the drum |88 in iiexed relation to the disk |14 and clamping the cutter in position. l A casing |98 is secured to one end of the casing or sleeve-i1! vand a disk |9| is secured on the outer end `of the casinglS. `The disk I 9| has a' central. opening .therethrough in .which is 4mounted a bush-ing |82 which receives the pen- -It will-be obvious that as the carriagel or frame M5 is reciprocated in a direction toward the drum, that the knives 1;? and |18 will 'turn down or reduce the diameter of the end of the ypencil forming a cylindrical portion |95 and the'shoulder |15 V for receiving. the ferrule.

Therknives, disk |14 and shaft |14 are driven in any suitable manner, as by a pulley |98 and belt |81 from a pulley |88 driven by a motor |99.

, Cap or ferrule'applying mechanism IThis mechanism is designated B on Figs. l and 9 and is'illustrated particularly iii-Figs. 9, 18 and 19.- As shown in Fig. l, the mechanism B is carried by a pair of arms 288 and 28|, which inturn are Yformed on the bracket shown, in Fig. 9. These arms adjustably carry a sleeve 282 which is threaded' therein andY is adjustable axially by a nut 288 disposed between arms 288 and 211| in which is positioned a rod 283 having a reduced end 254 adapted to enter one end of a ferrule or cap 295. The ferrules are fed downwardly through a 'chute 286 and the sleeve 202 is cut away, as shown at 281, to receive the ferrules. The position'cf the rod 283 in the sleeve 282 can be adjusted by a set screw 288.

As the reduced cylindrical end of the pencil is positioned opposite the station B or opposite the ferrule applying mechanism'B, the carriage or frame |45 will be moved toward the drum, thereby causing the rod 293v and sleeve 282 to push the vferrule longitudinally on the reduced end of the pencil P. i

In order to indicate to the operator any failure ofthe ferrule applying mechanism at positionB, and above described, means is provided at a point between stations 'B and C. f

vThis mechanism is indicated on Figs. l, 2 an 9 and is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3l. As there shown, the mechanism Vconsists of a plunger |81 slidable in a headl |88 of a fixed bracket |89. The plunger |81-has a head |93alined with the end of a Apencil onv which a ferrulev has been placed. Plunger' |81'is normally retracted' to the position Vshovv'n in Fig. 31 'by a'spring |81'.

A bracket |94 is secured tothe'plunger |81 and is movable therewith. The bracket |94 carries a contact member 288 which is insulatedV from the bracket |94 and is adapted to close a signal circuit. through .a signal device L by engaging a xed contact member 25| when the plungermo'ves' beyond a. predetermined limit of movement-i. e., beyond the point Where head |93 Willenga'ge the end of a errule on' a pencil. Thus, if vno ferrule has been applied, theplunger will not be arrested by the ferrule but vcan move suiiciently to cause the engagement of contact members 288 and 25|, closing the signal or alarm circuit. l y Y The plunger ilisfactuated intermittently in any suitable nri'annerythe operation being synchronizedwiththe'step by step carrier feed. As shown, the plunger' |81is engagedby'the head 252 of a plunger 253 slida'bly mounted in an arm 254 'and' actuated toward plunger |81 by a spring 253: Thus, as arm 254u is moved alternately in the directionY of the arrows, the plunger head 252 will engage and move plunger |81 and if no ferrule has been applied `the alarm or signal will be given. I

' FerruleA securing mechanism This mechanism in designated Cion Figs. 1 and 9. land, is lillustrated particularlyin Figs. 25,26

and 27. The prick-punch mechanism for securing the ferrule is indentical with the mechanism E for securing the plug in the ferrule and, therefore, one showing of this mechanism is sufficient. Fig. 25 shows the mechanism in position to secure the plugs but will be described in connection with the ferrule securing mechanism. The ferrule securing mechanism is carried by a tubular casing or sleeve 2|8, which in turn is carried by the bracket mounted on the supporting surface |48 of the frame or carriage |45.

The tubular casing 2I0 houses a sleeve 2|| hav-- ing an extension 2|2 on one end thereof on which is mounted a conical cam 2|3 having a tapered surface 2I4. Within the sleeve 2|| is mounted a hollow shaft or sleeve 2|5 which is threaded at one end, as shown at 2|6, to receive a nut 217. rIhe nut 2 1 engages the outer ends of the sleeves 2|| and 2|8.

The hollow shaft or sleeve 2|5 has formed on its outer end a laterally extending disk 2|8 within which are slidably mounted prick-punch members 219 having heads 228 at the outer ends thereof. Springs 22| actuate the prick-punch members 2'|9 outwardly and these members are forced inwardly by levers or rockers 222 pivotally mounted at 223 on lugs 224 carried by the disk 2|8. These rockers or levers have ends 225 which engage the heads 220 and at their other ends the rockers or levers 222 are provided with adjustable screws 226 which are held in adjustment by lock nuts 221. The inner ends of the screws 226 engage the inclined surface 2|4 of the cam 2|3. The sleeve or hollow shaft 2|5 is slidable in the sleeve 2| These parts are held in the relative position shown in Fig. 25 by a spring 236 which is disposed between the extension 2I2 of the sleeve 2|| and the opposed surface of the disk 2|8.

When the carriage |45 moves toward the drum 34, the outer surface of the disk 218 will engage an adjustable stop 23| carried by a fixed bracket 232 when the prick-punches 2|9 are disposed over the ferrule 205. When the disk engages this adjustable stop, the cam' 2|3 will con-- tinue to move, thereby causing the rockers or levers 222 to move in a direction to force the ends 225 thereof inwardly, thereby forcing the prick-punches into engagement with the ferrule, which will cause the ferrule to be pressed inwardly, as shown at 233 in Figs. 26 and 28.

Plug inserting mechanism This mechanism is illustrated particularly in Figs. 11 to 17 inclusive. As shown in Figs. 11 and 16, the machine frame has secured thereto brackets 235 and 236 which carry a pair of supporting posts 231 ad 238. A yoke 239 is slidably mounted on the posts or rods 231 and 238 and has pivoted thereto a link 246 which is also pivoted at 24| to a bell crank lever comprising arms 242 and 243, this lever being mounted on a xed pivot pin 244. The other end of the arm 243 has secured thereto a roller 245 which is mounted in a. cam groove 246 of a cam 241, which in turn is secured to a shaft 248. The rear end of the shaft 248 carries a bevel gear 249 which meshes with a gear 256 mounted on the shaft |64.

The yoke 2'39 has secured thereto a reciprocatable rod or pin 255 which extends through a casing 256 and is adapted to be projected into a sleeve 251.

A bracket 258 which is connected to the bracket 236 carries a casing 259 to which is secured 10 a chute 260 through which the plugs are fed into a conduit 26| and to the sleeve 251,.

A xed sleeve l251 extends into a hollow shaft or sleeve 262 rotatably mounted in the casing 259. The hollow shaft or sleeve 262 also carries a sleeve 263 which, as shown in Fig. 17, is irregular in outline and has inwardly projecting portions or lands 264 which are adapted to engage the outer surface of the rubber plug 265.

The hollow shaft 262 has mounted thereon a gear 266 whichV meshes with a gear 261 Ycarried by a shaft 268 which is also mounted in the casing 259. The shaft 268 extends through the Wall of the casing and is connected by a coupling 218 to a shaft 21| which, in turn, is connected through a coupling 212 to a shaft 213. The shaft 213 has a pulley 214 on its outer end which, as shown in Fig. 1, is connected by a belt 215 to a pulley 216 carried by ashaft 211 of a motor R.

As the cam 241 is rotated, the bell crank lever 243, 242 will reciprocate the rod or pin 255, thus feeding the rubber plugs through the sleeve 251 and hollow shaft 262 into the clutch sleeve 263. When the plugs enter the clutch sleeve 263 and are fed therethrough by the pin or rod 255, they will be rotated. Thecasing'259, as shown particularly in Figs. 12, 16 and 17, is provided with a cover 218 having an arcuate slot 280'. The arc of this slot'is concentric with the axis of rotation of the drum 34 andthe radius is substantially equal to the radius on which the pencils carried by the drum vare rotated. Thus,` as shown in Fig. 12, the end of the pencil with the ferrule thereon 4enters the arcuate slot 28|) and cornes to rest opposite the axis of the 'recipro-V catable pin or rod 255. Thus the rubber plugs 265 are pushed through the clutch sleeve 263 into the ferrule and are rotated as they enter the ferrule, thus facilitating the insertion of the plug in the ferrule.

The cover 218 has an outlet spout 219 for the discharge of small pieces of rubber detached from the plugs as they are inserted Vin the ferrules.

An alarm or signal device, exactly similar to that used for checking the ferrule application to the pencil, is located on the machine intermediate stations D and E, as illustrated in Fig. 1 and in detail in Fig. 31. Further explanation of this mechanism is unnecessary. When no plug has been inserted in the ferrule the signal device circuit is energized and the signal is given.

Plug securing mechanism The plugs are secured by prick-punches identical with the punches used to secure the ferrules to the pencil and above described in connection with the ferrule securing mechanism. This structure is illustrated in Figs. 25 to 28 inclusive and from Fig. 27 it will be noted that in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, six punches are used for securing the plug, whereas, only three punches are used to secure the ferrules. This structure is designated on Figs. 1 and 9 at E but need not be further described, p

In order to prevent damage to the machine in case two plugs are fed toward the cap or ferrule and the pencil is thus pushed toward the right, viewing Figs. 2 and 3, automatic stop means is provided, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 29 and 30.

A control switch S has a starting button 285 and a, stop button 286 which control the motor circuit for motor M. A headed stud 281 has a head 288 disposed in alinement with the pencil a ferrule, and means for rotating said hollow shaft and clutch sleeve.

5. In a machine of the character described, means for supporting and holding, in a predetermined position, a pencil with a ferrule secured thereon and projecting therefrom, and means disposed opposite said predetermined position for inserting a plug in said ferrule, including a casing having a hollow shaft, a plug chute leading to said hollow shaft, a clutch sleeve carried by said shaft and adapted to receive the plugs, means for feeding the plugs through the shaft into the clutch sleeve and through the sleeve into a ferrule, and means for rotating said hollow shaft and clutch sleeve, said casing having an opening for receiving the ferrule whereby the plug can be inserted therein.

6. In a machine of the character described, a carrier, means on the carrier for supporting and securing pencils in spaced relation with their ends overlapping one side of the carrier, operative means disposed at said side of the carrier and movable toward the carrier and operable in timed relation to the operation of theicarrier for performing successive operations on the pencils, and means for intermittently moving the carrier to position said pencils at successive stations where said operations are to be performed, said intermittent moving means comprising means for moving the carrier through increments of movement and subsequent acting means for adjusting the carrier to insure the alinement of the pencils with said operative means.

7. In a machine of the character described, a carrier, means on the carrier for supporting and rigidly clamping pencils in spaced relation thereon with their ends projecting beyond said supporting means, means for intermittently moving said carrier to successive stations, means disposed in alinement with one station and operable in timed relation to the operation of the carrier for securing a ferrule over the projecting end of a pencil, signal control means disposed opposite a point in the path of movement of the pencils on the carrier subsequent to the application of the ferrules thereto and movable each time a pencil reaches said point in its path of movement to engage the ferrule or in the event no ferrule has been applied, to cause a signal to be operated, and means independent of the ferrule securing means for actuating said control means to cause a signal to be operated when no ferrule has been applied to a pencil,

8. In a machine of the character described, a carrier, means on the carrier for supporting and rigidly clamping pencils in spaced relation thereon with their ends projecting beyond said supporting means, means for intermittently moving said carrier to successive stations, means disposed in alinement with one station and operable in timed relation to the operation of the carrier for securing a ferrule over the projecting end of a pencil, signal control means disposed opposite a point in the path of movement of the pen- -cils on the carrier subsequent to the application of the ferrules thereto and movable each time a pencil reaches said point in its path of movement to engage the ferrule or in the event no ferrule has been applied, to cause a signal to be operated, and reciprocating means independent of the ferrule securing means for actuating said control means to cause a signal to be operated when no ferrule has been applied to a pencil.

9. In a machine of the character described, a carrier, means on the carrier for supporting and rigidly clamping pencils in spaced relation thereon with their ends projecting beyond said supporting means, means for intermittently moving said carrier to successive stations, means disposed in alinement with one station and operable in timed relation to the operation of the carrier for securing a ferrule over the projecting end of a pencil, means disposed in alinement with another station in advance of said iirst station in the direction of movement of the carrier, movable toward the carrier and operable in timed relation with respect to the operation thereof for inserting a plug in said ferrule, signal control means disposed opposite a point in the path of movement of the pencil on the carrier and subsequentv to the insertion of the plugs in the ferrules and movable each time a pencil reaches said point in its path of movement to engage the ferrule or in the event no ferrule has been applied, to cause a signal to be operated, and means independent of the ferrule securing and of the plug inserting'means for actuating said control means to cause a signal to be operated when no plug has been inserted in a, pencil ferrule.

10. In a machine of the character described, means for supporting and holding, in a predetermined position, a pencil with a ferrule secured thereon and projecting therefrom, and means disposed opposite said predetermined position for inserting a plug in said ferrule, and stop mechanism automatically operatable by the pencil to stop the machine in the event that more than one plug is fed by the plug inserting means to said pencil ferrule. K 11. In a machine of the character described, means for supporting and holding, in a predetermined position, a pencil with a ferrule secured thereon and projecting therefrom, and means disposed oppositel said predetermined position for inserting a plug in said ferrule, and stop mechanism disposed at the opposite side of the carrier from that on which the plug inserting means is located and automatically operatable by the pencil to stop the machine in the event that more than one plug is fed by the plug inserting means to said pencil ferrule. i

12. In a machine of the character described, a carrier, means for intermittently operating the carrier to successive stations, means on the carrief for clamping pencils thereon in spaced relation to each other and with their ends projecting beyond one side of the carrier, means disposed at said side of the carrier, operable in timed relation to the operation of the carrier and movable toward the carrier for securing ferrules on said projecting ends, and means engageable with the pencils on the carrier for longitudinally adjusting the pencils when they extend too far beyond one side of the carrier.

13. In a machine of the character described, a carrier, means for intermittently operating the carrier to successive stations, means on the carrier lfor clamping pencils thereon in spaced relation to each other and with their ends projecting beyond one side of the carrier, means disposed at said side of the carrier, operable in timed relation to the operation of the carrier and movable toward the carrier for securing ferrules on said projecting ends, and means engageable with the pencils on the carrier, during the movement of the carrier, for longitudinally adjusting the pen' CHARLES R. NICHOLS, JR, 

